Hartwell Block Club

Cultivating Community-Led Growth and Transformation

Our journey began in May 2018 when we officially registered our block club with the city, but our commitment to community development runs deep.

Our Mission

Our mission is clear: to revitalize Hartwell Street and create a thriving community that residents can be proud of. Informed by the challenges posed by targeted divestment in our neighborhood, we've set forth a series of goals and objectives to guide our efforts.

Our Vision

Our vision is to transform Hartwell Street into a thriving and close-knit community where every resident feels safe, valued, and connected. We aspire to see well-maintained streets, green spaces, and opportunities for education and growth. Through the collective efforts of our block club, we envision a neighborhood that sets a positive example of community engagement and progress.

Our Values

• Community Power

• Safety + Well-Being

• Education + Awareness

• Elder + Youth + Family Support

• Beauty + Sustainability

Key Goals + Objectives

Here's a glimpse into the goals and objectives that shape our work:

Community Revitalization:

We're determined to breathe new life into our neighborhood. This includes initiatives to improve public services, enhance street lighting, and upgrade essential infrastructure.

Education and Awareness:

We celebrate the rich history and resilient spirit of Detroit. Through educational events and workshops, we aim to raise awareness about our heritage and culture.

Youth and Family Support:

With a significant presence of families and children in our neighborhood, we're developing programs to support youth development, mentorship, and educational opportunities. We encourage multigenerational engagement.

Advocacy and Civic Engagement:

We advocate for our residents' needs at the city level. Whether it's improved services, educational opportunities, or infrastructure enhancements, we're here to make our voices heard.

Supporting Existing Leaders:

While we're providing leadership in starting the block club, we also recognize and support existing leaders within our community, whether or not they're part of formalized entities.

Inclusivity:

Our block club values inclusivity. We strive to represent the diverse makeup of our neighborhood, encouraging participation from renters, homeowners, elders, and families alike.

Safety Enhancement:

Seeking alternatives to traditional law enforcement methods, together we're in the process of establishing a community-led safety program, promoting peaceful conflict resolution, and enhancing community bonds to address concerns collectively.

Community Building:

Strengthening our sense of community is at the heart of what we do. Look forward to social events, block parties, and gatherings that bring neighbors together, fostering meaningful relationships

Collaboration:

Collaboration is key to our success. We actively seek partnerships with local organizations, nonprofits, and city agencies to leverage resources and support our initiatives.

Regular Communication:

Transparent and open communication is vital. We keep our block club members and the broader community informed about meetings, events, and ongoing initiatives.

Documentation and Storytelling:

As photographers and documentarians, we're preserving the stories and history of our neighborhood. These narratives help residents connect with our shared identity and heritage.

Beautification and Green Spaces:

We're dedicated to beautifying our neighborhood. Join us for clean-up events, tree planting, and the transformation of vacant lots into vibrant community green spaces.

Adaptability:

We're flexible and adaptable to changing neighborhood needs and priorities. Our strategies evolve as the community grows and changes.